Name: Amanda
Location: Chicago
Time: 1.5 hours (not including shopping)
Cost: $46.
Amanda says, "I needed to add some color behind my frameless bed. My idea was simply to use the same technique used to stretch fabrics on frames as wall art, but make it bigger and choose a fabric that matches the bed." Smart! Jump below for all the pics, tools, instructions and VOTING...
Tell us the tools and resources you used for the project:
Air Staple Gun
Air Brad Nailer
Compound Miter Box Saw
2X2's
Fabric
Share step by step instructions for how you completed the project:
First, I measured the width of the bed. Then I decided how high I wanted my impersonated headboard to hit the wall. The result was 5' X 3'.
Next, cut the 2X2's the length required for each side. Then, use the miter saw to cut the 45 degree
angles on each side of the pieces. At this point, grab the main gun and attach each piece to the other piece until the frame is complete.
Once this part is done, spread out the fabric, and lay the frame on top. Make sure the fabric is good side down. Use the staple gun to stretch and staple all around the back side of the frame. You just fold the fabric around the frame, staple, and trim excess fabric as you attach. Since the frame is pretty big, you might need some assistance making sure the fabric is tightly pulled. I had to pay attention to my fabric to make sure the pattern would be even accross the top and the bottom, using the bottom edge of the fabric as a guide.
The best part, of course, is picking your fabric in the beginning. I was happy to come accross a red and yellow mixed fabric that wasn't too bold but just right for adding a color & texture to my plain white wall.
© 2009 Apartment Therapy
AFTER
And who doesn't like girls with tools?
view JohnnySlimane's profile
If only an upholstered wing bed was this "easy" :-)
view Carla Marie's profile
Can you lean on this while you read in bed?
view visualingual's profile
how did you attach it to the wall?
view Chijenna's profile
Chijenna - For now I used nails & a 3M laser leveler to hang the headboard. The nails are working so far, but I thought a heavy cord stretched accross might be another option.
Visualingual - I haven't tried leaning on it (usually lean on my pillows), but since it is fabric stretched over a frame, the fabric would probably sink in with enough weight. If you added verticle supports between the edges, that might help.
view manda's profile
I've thought of doing something similar for our headboard. I was going to use canvas stretches, so I didn't have to make any wood cuts.
I would suggest filling the interior with foam, or some kind of padding, and putting a layer of batting between the frame and the fabric, enough so that the batting wraps around to the back. As it is, the fabric will stretch and sink when you lean on it, and will eventually rip along the corners.
view greer's profile
I've been thinking about this, and would go for a piece of plywood, covered in some foam with fabric over it. However, if you lean on it, it will get dirty. That has stopped me.
This would be great as inexpensive decor for any room.
view Jute Zak's profile